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Web Publishing Conference Programming Shapes Up

Although we're still nailing down some final details, much of the programming for this winter's Web Conference at San Francisco's Argonaut Hotel has been finalized. From Twitter to digital display ads to iPhone apps to email newsletters, the most important digital publishing topics for AAN members will be tackled in a mix of plenary sessions and workshops during the conference, which will take place Jan. 27-29.

You can see the confirmed schedule on the conference website; it will be updated in the next few weeks as the rest of the details are solidified.

Here are a few of the highlights so far:

In the homegrown talent department, Village Voice Media web guru Bill Jensen will talk about how to use social media sites like Twitter, Facebook and Stumbleupon to drive traffic to your websites. The Stranger's Tim Keck will discuss everything from flexibility with the new world to building community to -- yes -- making money. And Creative Loafing's Patrick Mersinger will keep on that theme, trying to answer the all-important question: How can alt-weeklies make more money on web display ads?

Speaking of homegrown talent, do you ever wonder what cool stuff other papers are doing on the web? A panel featuring representatives from the San Antonio Current, Seven Days and Westword will focus on ambitious web editorial projects and share online success stories ranging from web video to interactive town halls to viral marketing. On another panel, AAN members will share best practices when it comes to email newsletters.

Sometimes it seems like the world has gone app crazy, but if you don't even know where to start, Raven Zachary will be on hand to help. The president of Small Society will be on a panel about iPhone apps, and he knows his stuff -- he directed the Obama '08 for iPhone app for the president's successful campaign and has worked on apps for Zipcar, Whole Foods and CLIF Bar.

The Texas Tribune is one of many new nonprofit websites that have sprung up recently that covers public policy, politics and government. Co-founder Evan Smith, the former editor of Texas Monthly, will be on hand to speak on a panel about the new world of nonprofit web journalism, and what it means for alt-weeklies.

The early registration deadline for the conference is just around the corner (Jan. 11); be sure to register before then to save $50 per person. Pre-Jan. 11 rates are $275 for members and $400 for non-members; post-Jan. 11 rates are $325 for members and $450 for nonmembers.